Suburbs of Atlanta: Where to Live, Work, and Play Around the Metro

If you live in Atlanta, are thinking of moving here, or you’re just trying to understand how the Atlanta metro area fits together, the suburbs can be confusing. “OTP vs ITP,” multiple counties, dozens of cities, and every area claiming to have the “best schools” or “easiest commute.”

This guide breaks down the major suburbs of Atlanta, what they’re known for, and what real people typically consider when choosing where to live or visit.

Understanding Atlanta’s Suburbs: ITP vs. OTP

Locals often divide the region into:

• ITP (Inside the Perimeter) – Inside I-285 (Atlanta, Decatur, a few others)
• OTP (Outside the Perimeter) – The classic suburbs of Atlanta, surrounding the city in every direction

Most people who say “suburbs of Atlanta” are talking about OTP communities that still rely on Atlanta for jobs, entertainment, and major services.

Key things people usually look at when choosing a suburb:

• Commute: Distance to Midtown/Downtown, access to I-75, I-85, GA-400, I-20.
• Schools: Public school reputation is a major factor for many families.
• Housing: Newer vs. older homes, yard size, apartments vs. single-family.
• Lifestyle: Walkable “downtowns,” parks, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Cost of living: Some suburbs are noticeably more expensive than others.

Quick Snapshot: Popular Atlanta Suburbs

Northern Suburbs: The Classic “North of the City” Corridor

Sandy Springs

Location: Just north of the Atlanta city limits, along GA-400.

Why people choose it:

• Close to Perimeter Center, major hospitals, and office towers.
• Mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes.
• Easy access to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area for hiking, paddling, and picnicking.
• Multiple MARTA stations serve the area (Medical Center, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, North Springs), which helps for commuting into Atlanta without driving the whole way.

Best for: Professionals and families who want suburban living but frequent trips into Buckhead, Midtown, or Perimeter.

Roswell

Location: North of Sandy Springs, mainly off GA-400.

What stands out:

• A lively Historic Downtown Roswell with restaurants, boutiques, and frequent community events.
• Excellent access to riverfront parks along the Chattahoochee, including trails and playgrounds.
• Neighborhoods range from older, tree-filled streets to newer subdivisions.

Roswell often appeals to those who want a “small town” feel but still need relatively direct access to Atlanta for work.

Alpharetta

Location: Farther up GA-400 from Atlanta.

Known for:

• Major tech and corporate offices in the Windward and North Point areas.
• Avalon, a large mixed-use district with shops, dining, offices, and apartments that serves as a regional hub.
• Subdivisions with swim/tennis amenities, newer construction, and planned communities.

Many residents choose Alpharetta for a mix of high-amenity living, schools, and job opportunities in the same area, reducing the need to commute into the city daily.

Johns Creek

Location: Northeast of Alpharetta and Roswell, in Fulton County.

Key traits:

• Often associated with high-performing public schools.
• Primarily residential, with a quieter, low-crime, family-oriented reputation.
• Shopping and services mainly concentrated along Medlock Bridge Road (SR 141) and surrounding corridors.

If you’re focused on schools and a calm environment rather than nightlife, Johns Creek is a frequent option.

Dunwoody

Location: North of Atlanta, near the I-285 and GA-400 interchange.

Why people live here:

• Immediate access to Perimeter Mall and large office parks.
• MARTA’s Dunwoody Station connects to Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown.
• Established neighborhoods with mature trees, plus newer townhomes and condos near the mall.

Residents often like the shorter commute to the city compared with farther-out suburbs, plus strong retail and restaurant options.

Brookhaven

Location: Just north of Buckhead, straddling the ITP/OTP line.

Highlights:

• Many townhomes, condos, and renovated older homes, especially attractive to young professionals.
• Dining corridors along Peachtree Road and near Dresden Drive.
• Easy access to Buckhead, Midtown, and I-85.

Brookhaven is ideal if you want a suburban-feeling neighborhood but still plan to spend a lot of time in central Atlanta.

Northwestern Suburbs: Cobb County and Beyond

Marietta

Location: Northwest of Atlanta along I-75.

Defining features:

• Marietta Square, a historic downtown with a central park, restaurants, museums, and local shops.
• Mix of older homes near the Square and newer developments farther out.
• Access to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park for hiking and views.

People often choose Marietta for its character, relative affordability (in some areas), and suburban schools, while still being within commuting distance of Atlanta and Cumberland.

Smyrna

Location: Between I-285 and Marietta, very close to Atlanta.

What it’s known for:

• Proximity to The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, plus year-round dining and entertainment.
• A redeveloped Smyrna Market Village area with shops and restaurants.
• Large number of newer townhomes, apartments, and subdivisions built to serve commuters.

Smyrna has become a go-to suburb for young professionals and families who want a quick route to the city but prefer living OTP.

Kennesaw & Acworth

Heading farther northwest:

• Kennesaw: Close to Kennesaw State University, with plentiful subdivisions and shopping, plus access to Kennesaw Mountain.
• Acworth: Known for Lakes Acworth and Allatoona, drawing residents who like boating and lakeside recreation.

These areas are often chosen by residents wanting more space and lower housing costs than closer-in suburbs, while still staying connected to Atlanta via I-75.

Eastern Suburbs: Decatur, Stone Mountain, and Beyond

Decatur (City of Decatur)

Technically inside the perimeter, but many people treat the City of Decatur as its own mini-suburban city.

Highlights:

• A walkable Downtown Decatur with restaurants, shops, and a small-city feel.
• MARTA rail stations that connect directly to central Atlanta.
• Older bungalows, cottages, and renovated homes on tree-lined streets.

Residents often choose Decatur for its blend of urban access, schools, and neighborhood charm, even though it’s not OTP in a strict sense.

Stone Mountain

Location: East of Atlanta, centered around Stone Mountain Park.

Why it’s considered:

• Access to Stone Mountain Park for hiking, running, and family activities.
• Generally more affordable housing than many northern suburbs.
• Diverse neighborhoods, with a mix of older and newer homes.

Stone Mountain is often an option for residents who prioritize value and outdoor access, and who don’t mind driving into the city via US-78 and I-285.

Tucker

Location: East-northeast of Atlanta, near I-285.

Known for:

• A revitalized Main Street area with local restaurants.
• Long-established neighborhoods with mid-century and late-20th-century homes.
• Central location for commuting to different parts of the metro, with access to I-285 and US-78.

Tucker tends to appeal to those who want solid convenience and moderate pricing without the busier feel of some larger suburbs.

Northeastern Suburbs: Gwinnett County and Surrounding Areas

Lawrenceville

Location: About 30–35 miles northeast of Downtown Atlanta.

Key traits:

• County seat of Gwinnett County, with a growing Downtown Lawrenceville area.
• Mix of older in-town homes and large subdivisions.
• Access to major roads like GA-316 and I-85.

People often look at Lawrenceville for more space at a lower cost, along with a wide range of public schools and community facilities such as parks and libraries.

Duluth

Location: Between Norcross and Suwanee, off I-85.

What it offers:

• A walkable Downtown Duluth with a town green, restaurants, and events.
• Noted for its cultural diversity and food scene, especially along Pleasant Hill Road.
• Suburban neighborhoods with varying price points.

Residents often value Duluth’s community events, diversity, and balance of affordability and amenities.

Suwanee

Location: North of Duluth, still in Gwinnett County.

Highlights:

• Suwanee Town Center, a central park area with shops, restaurants, and frequent festivals.
• Many planned subdivisions with community pools, playgrounds, and green space.
• Emphasis on parks, trails, and family activities.

Suwanee is popular with families who want organized community life and a strong suburban identity.

Norcross & Peachtree Corners

• Norcross: Historic downtown, older neighborhoods, industrial and office areas, with a growing arts and restaurant scene.
• Peachtree Corners: A newer city known for Technology Park, office space, and The Forum and Town Center areas.

These areas attract residents who want to be close to I-85 and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard and prefer a balance of employment centers and residential neighborhoods.

Southern & Southwestern Suburbs

College Park, East Point, and Hapeville

Location: Just south of Atlanta, near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Common reasons to live here:

• Convenience to airport jobs, logistics centers, and airline-related industries.
• Access to MARTA rail and highways like I-85 and I-285.
• Ongoing redevelopment in downtown areas, especially Hapeville with its arts and restaurant scene.

These communities are often chosen by frequent travelers and those working near the airport who want short commutes and transit options.

Peachtree City (Fayette County)

Location: Southwest of Atlanta, roughly 45 minutes to an hour from Downtown, depending on traffic.

Distinctive features:

• A master-planned community with over 100 miles of golf cart paths, where residents often use carts for daily errands.
• Multiple lakes, parks, and greenbelts.
• Primarily single-family homes, with a quieter, suburban-resort feel.

People typically choose Peachtree City for a calm, planned environment, particularly families and those who don’t need to be in central Atlanta daily.

Fayetteville & Newnan

• Fayetteville (Fayette County): Growing interest due to Trilith Studios (a major film and TV production hub) and newer mixed-use developments.
• Newnan (Coweta County): A bit farther out, known for its historic downtown, hospitals, and generally lower housing costs.

These communities draw residents who want more space and a traditional small-town feel, with the understanding that commutes to downtown Atlanta can be longer.

How to Decide Which Atlanta Suburb Fits You

When you’re comparing Atlanta suburbs, it helps to think through your day-to-day reality, not just the price on a listing.

Here are key questions locals often weigh:

1. How often will you go into Atlanta?

• Daily commute to Midtown/Downtown?
  Look at closer-in suburbs like Smyrna, Brookhaven, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody.
• Only occasionally?
  Farther out areas like Alpharetta, Suwanee, Peachtree City, Newnan might still make sense.

2. Do you need transit options?

If you rely on public transportation, focus on suburbs with MARTA rail or well-connected bus routes, such as:

• Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Chamblee, College Park, East Point, Decatur.

Many outer suburbs are car-dependent, with limited or no direct rail access.

3. What kind of housing and neighborhood feel do you want?

• Walkable “downtown” with restaurants and events:
  Look at Roswell, Marietta, Decatur, Duluth, Suwanee, Woodstock.
• Master-planned subdivision with amenities:
  Common in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Suwanee, Peachtree City, parts of Gwinnett and Cobb.
• Older homes with mature trees and character:
  You’ll find many in Decatur, Marietta, Roswell, Tucker, Brookhaven.

4. What’s your budget and space requirement?

Generally (with many exceptions):

• Closer to Atlanta = higher prices per square foot, fewer large yards.
• Farther out (especially south and some east areas) = more space for the money, but longer commutes.

Helpful Local Agencies and Contacts

If you’re serious about understanding or moving to a specific suburb, these official local resources can help with zoning, utilities, schools, and services:

• City of Sandy Springs
  1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
  Main line: (770) 730-5600

• City of Roswell
  38 Hill Street, Suite 115, Roswell, GA 30075
  Main line: (770) 641-3727

• City of Alpharetta
  2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta, GA 30009
  Main line: (678) 297-6000

• City of Marietta
  205 Lawrence Street, Marietta, GA 30060
  Main line: (770) 794-5500

• City of Decatur
  509 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030
  Main line: (404) 370-4100

• City of Smyrna
  2800 King Street SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
  Main line: (770) 434-6600

For schools, each county has its own public school district. Some of the largest:

• Fulton County Schools (serves many north Fulton suburbs)
  Administrative Center: 6201 Powers Ferry Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30339
  Phone: (470) 254-3600

• Cobb County School District (Marietta-area county schools, outside Marietta City)
  514 Glover Street, Marietta, GA 30060
  Phone: (770) 426-3300

• Gwinnett County Public Schools (Duluth, Lawrenceville, Suwanee, etc.)
  437 Old Peachtree Road NW, Suwanee, GA 30024
  Phone: (678) 301-6000

• DeKalb County School District (Decatur-area county schools, outside City Schools of Decatur)
  1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd., Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  Phone: (678) 676-1200

These offices can provide school zone maps, enrollment details, and local regulations, which are often deciding factors when choosing a suburb.

Living in or around Atlanta is as much about choosing your suburb as it is about choosing the city itself. Whether you prioritize commute time, schools, green space, nightlife, or budget, there is likely a suburb of Atlanta that lines up with your day-to-day needs—and understanding the major areas is the first step to finding it.